OUTDOOR PARADISE
Parc des Familles.
JEFFERSON PARISH EXEMPLIFIES OUTDOOR PARADISE by Ken Perrotte Some visitors to Louisiana never get beyond the big city sounds, sights and smells of New
Barataria waterfront cabins or even a two-story
Orleans, truly one of America’s unique cities
houseboat that sleeps up to 10 people and
with its history, attractions and nightlife. Natural
then head out at daybreak on a charter with
Louisiana, though, beckons at the city limits,
one of several experienced captains. Nighttime
where neighboring Jefferson Parish offers
bowfishing is also an option.
experiences that plant you squarely amidst outdoor paradise.
Capt. Gavin McKerchie, the marina’s fishing charter coordinator, says, “We can work with
Fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, swamp
anybody, whether you’re a first-time fisherman or
touring and more are abundant in Jefferson
a professional or experienced angler. It’s a family
Parish. Exploring the parish’s many family friendly
friendly environment and we can accommodate
outdoor opportunities over the course of my
both small and big groups, with boats that can
few days there was a challenge, given the ample
handle solo anglers and others that can carry up
options. I couldn’t experience them all, but that’s
to 10 people.”
a good problem to have. Better yet, it provides an incentive for a return visit!
FISH ON!
The Barataria Basin is a glorious tangle of
photo: KEN PERROTTE
or groups can rent one of the spacious Bayou
Charters and lodging can be packaged. Want fresh fish? McKerchie says the marina’s friendly team can easily arrange to cook your catch or set you up with all the equipment and materials needed to stage a group fish fry or shrimp or
canals, bayous, bays and tidal flats abounding
crawfish boil at the marina’s waterfront pavilion.
with hard-pulling and tasty inshore fish species
Experienced anglers hauling their own boat
like redfish, speckled trout, black drum,
can launch there. The marina store features
sheepshead and flounder. The Jean Lafitte
snacks and drinks, ice, sundries, fishing gear and
Harbor Marina is a fishing destination where you
bait, and convenience items. Anglers can also
can literally do it all – stay, play and eat. Families
preorder breakfast sandwiches and lunches from >> J e f f e r s o n P a r i s h V i s i t o r G u i d e 27
